Dorothy Gea Thicke
(nee Widsten)
Dorothy Gea Thicke (nee Widsten) died peacefully with family at her bedside, at Berwick on the Lake in Nanaimo on June 16, 2015, where she had lived for the past 6 years.
Mom is survived by her children; Marilyn Montgomery, Brian Thicke (Margaret) and David Thicke (Som) as well as 9 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Arthur Robert (Bob) Thicke on March 22, 2002.
Mom was born on February 2, 1921 in Bella Coola, BC later moving to Ocean Falls with her older siblings to attend high school. She was the youngest daughter & last remaining sibling of the 13 children born to John and Gea (Fosbak) Widsten of Bella Coola: Clara (Oddy), Edna, Andrew, Clarence, Mabel (Goodie), Eleanor (Gran), Margaret (Hodson, Young), Georgia (Galloway), John, Donald, Marion (Reay), Dorothy (Thicke) and Edward.
Dorothy met her husband Bob in Vancouver where they wed on Sept., 9. 1944. They lived for a short time in Tofino where they started their family then moved to Vancouver where their 2 sons were born. After living 16 years in Vancouver, they moved to Prince Rupert for 4 years, then to Victoria for 10 years until they retired in Lantzville, BC.
Mom’s very large extended family was always quite central to their social calendar. Family events such as birthdays, weddings, family reunions and travel were always well attended by the many Widstens of all ages. Mom & Dad were very involved in the square dancing and bridge communities over the years and lived a very active life. Mom also enjoyed gardening, walking & lawn bowling. Together they travelled by motor home, airplanes and cruise ships to many parts of the world. Mom continued with many of these interests for as long as she was able. She always enjoyed being involved with the grandchildren and was affectionately called Gigi by the great grandchildren.
We would like to thank the staff at Berwick On The Lake especially those in the care unit, where Mom spent her last few years. Their warmth and caring brought many smiles to Mom’s face and made this time of her life very comfortable and fun in spite of her advancing years.
A celebration of her life will be held at the Nanaimo Ecumenical Centre, 6234 Sparton road, Nanaimo at 2:00, June 25th. A reception will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to the charity of your
choice.